Arsene Wenger surprised everyone by deciding to start David Ospina ahead of the fit-again Petr Cech.
The Gunners conceded three goals to Andy Carroll in quick succession and many were left asking what is the problem with Arsenal and defending crosses.
Asked about this after the game, the manager made a worrying admission – it has been a problem all season, regardless of which keeper started.
“The thinking [behind choosing Ospina] was that he has had some outstanding performances,” Wenger said after watching his side throw away a two-goal lead on Saturday.
“With Petr Cech or David Ospina, we have exactly the same problem in the air. We didn’t concede in the last two games.
“Since the beginning of the season, we have had exactly the same problem, no matter who plays.”
That last sentence is astounding.
These are professionals who are paid a hell of a lot of money.
If this has been a problem all season, why has it not been addressed?
Why is Gabriel playing when Per Mertesacker is a considerably better centre back at present?
But that’s not even the worst of it.
Arsenal weren’t even expecting Andy Carroll to play!
“No,” Wenger added. “I didn’t expect him to start at all. He has not played in the last five or six games.”
If they weren’t expecting him to feature they no doubt didn’t concentrate too much on the aerial threat from West Ham.
Negligence in the extreme if true.